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Architect of the Capitol Announces New U.S. Botanic Garden Executive Director

The Architect of the Capitol announces the selection of Ari Novy, Ph.D., as Executive Director of the United States Botanic Garden (USBG).

“Dr. Novy is a plant biologist with a wide range of expertise in plant science and an amazing passion to educate people about the importance of plants,” said Stephen T. Ayers, Architect of the Capitol and Acting Director of the U.S. Botanic Garden. “His vision and leadership will move the Garden's mission forward in exciting ways.”

Novy first came to the USBG as Public Programs Manager and was promoted to Deputy Executive Director in 2013. Prior to joining the USBG, he worked as an estate gardener in Italy, a sustainable agriculture researcher in the Philippines and an environmental consultant on infrastructure projects in the United States.

He holds a bachelor of arts from New York University and a doctorate in plant biology from Rutgers University. At Rutgers University, Novy conducted research on plant population genetics, invasive species, plant conservation, horticultural improvement, beekeeping management, plant evolution and agricultural economics. He taught undergraduate and graduate courses on a variety of plant science and horticultural topics, winning several awards for research, teaching and outreach excellence.

Novy also remains an active researcher, holding an appointment as research collaborator with the Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Botany Department. (Full biography.)

The USBG has been in continuous operation and open to the public since 1850, and is dedicated to demonstrating the aesthetic, cultural, economic, therapeutic and ecological importance of plants to the well-being of humankind. The USBG collaborates with national and international partners to foster the exchange of ideas and information. More: www.usbg.gov